Schwartz Pond Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 6, 2025

Schwartz Pond Dam, located in Suffield, Connecticut, is a privately owned structure that serves primarily for recreational purposes.


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Summary

Built in 1920, this earth dam stands at a height of 16 feet and has a length of 128 feet, creating a reservoir with a storage capacity of 150 acre-feet. The dam is situated on Stony Brook and has a drainage area of 41 square miles, with a maximum discharge capacity of 3300 cubic feet per second.

Despite its recreational focus, Schwartz Pond Dam is classified as having a significant hazard potential, highlighting the importance of regular inspections and maintenance. The dam has not been rated for its condition as of the last inspection in June 2010, and there is no Emergency Action Plan (EAP) in place. Given its age and significant hazard potential, the dam may benefit from further risk assessment and management measures to ensure the safety of surrounding communities and the environment.

Water resource and climate enthusiasts interested in Schwartz Pond Dam can appreciate its historical significance and recreational value, while also recognizing the need for continued monitoring and potential upgrades to mitigate risks associated with its significant hazard potential. As a key feature on Stony Brook in Hartford County, Connecticut, this earth dam serves as a reminder of the intersection between human infrastructure and natural water systems, underscoring the importance of sustainable water resource management in the face of a changing climate.

Year Completed

1920

Dam Length

128

Dam Height

16

River Or Stream

STONY BROOK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

11.5

Drainage Area

41

Nid Storage

150

Hazard Potential

Significant

Nid Height

16
       
Seasonal Comparison

Weather Forecast

Dam Data Reference

Condition Assessment

Satisfactory
No existing or potential dam safety deficiencies are recognized. Acceptable performance is expected under all loading conditions (static, hydrologic, seismic) in accordance with the minimum applicable state or federal regulatory criteria or tolerable risk guidelines.
Fair
No existing dam safety deficiencies are recognized for normal operating conditions. Rare or extreme hydrologic and/or seismic events may result in a dam safety deficiency. Risk may be in the range to take further action. Note: Rare or extreme event is defined by the regulatory agency based on their minimum
Poor A dam safety deficiency is recognized for normal operating conditions which may realistically occur. Remedial action is necessary. POOR may also be used when uncertainties exist as to critical analysis parameters which identify a potential dam safety deficiency. Investigations and studies are necessary.
Unsatisfactory
A dam safety deficiency is recognized that requires immediate or emergency remedial action for problem resolution.
Not Rated
The dam has not been inspected, is not under state or federal jurisdiction, or has been inspected but, for whatever reason, has not been rated.
Not Available
Dams for which the condition assessment is restricted to approved government users.

Hazard Potential Classification

High
Dams assigned the high hazard potential classification are those where failure or mis-operation will probably cause loss of human life.
Significant
Dams assigned the significant hazard potential classification are those dams where failure or mis-operation results in no probable loss of human life but can cause economic loss, environment damage, disruption of lifeline facilities, or impact other concerns. Significant hazard potential classification dams are often located in predominantly rural or agricultural areas but could be in areas with population and significant infrastructure.
Low
Dams assigned the low hazard potential classification are those where failure or mis-operation results in no probable loss of human life and low economic and/or environmental losses. Losses are principally limited to the owner's property.
Undetermined
Dams for which a downstream hazard potential has not been designated or is not provided.
Not Available
Dams for which the downstream hazard potential is restricted to approved government users.